Chicago Vacation

[becka]

DH wants to go to Chicago for a few days and I was thinking about this summer. Does anyone have any good websites or info to share? We would probably go for 4-5 days over a weekend. When would be a good time to go? We could drive or maybe take the train? Any nice hotels/restaurants downtown near the attractions that are kid-friendly? DH wants to see the Museum of Natural History and I think the aquarium would be fun. It would be me and DH, DS (4) and DD (18 months).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[DisneyDotty]

A few spots come to mind, based on ages of your kids.
1. Navy Pier--good children's museum, rides, nice area, fun restaurants nearby.
2. Ed Debevics--diner kind of restaurant where servers dance on tables and have fun with customers
3. Millenium Park--fountain, performances, nice gardens
4. Lincoln Park Zoo--free
5. Museum of Science and Industry--lots of hands-on activities, great dollhouse , coal mine, etc.
6. Beaches on Lake Michigan
7. Horse and buggy ride along Michigan Avenue

Have a great time!

 

[Beth76]

DO NOT take the train! It takes way longer than driving and that's IF the train is on schedule. Driving in Chicago is not a huge deal, you just get to your hotel and park it there the whole time. If you go in the summer there's a free trolley that takes you to all the hot spots. Your kids will LOVE the aquarium! Navy Pier is great for kids too--tons of stuff. There's a water taxi that goes between NP and the aquarium!

I would try to stay down by Navy Pier. I think there's a Hampton Inn just a couple blocks from there. Or, if you want to go budget, try Priceline for the "North Michigan Ave" area. You can't go wrong there.

 

[mrsv98]

I disagree about the train because it is incredibly expensive to park in the city...4 or 5 days could cost $200...no lie. We love the train and it would take you right to Union Station. Cabs are plentiful and of course if you stay on or around Michigan Ave, then you can walk many places or take the trolley.

Navy Pier is great, Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and even the Art Institute has a section for kids. I suggest getting a City Pass . It will save you money and more importantly, you won't have to wait in line at each place for tickets.

We stayed at the Palmer House a couple of years ago and it was great with a perfect location. Close to Water Tower, does Nathan like Thomas? there is a Thomas the Tank Engine store there. Of course, the Lincoln Park Zoo is free and the the new great ape house is amazing. You would have to cab to that but worth it IMHO. The Peggy Notebart Nature Museum is right by the zoo and is a smaller, less crowded museum with lots of bug exhibits and a butterfly garden.

Any more questions? Just ask!

 

[amarberry]

I agree with taking the train because of the parking cost issue. You can probably find a good deal for a nice hotel using priceline, hotwire, etc., but parking usually runs $30+ a night. Not worth it if you are planning on using public transportation or walking.

I don't have any real suggestions for things for your family to do. We're in the burbs and DH and I go into the city for "adult time." Okay, we've really only done that once since DD was born 19 months ago , but we used to spend a lot more time in the city pre-daughter!

A restaurant (actually, there are several aroung the city) that we really enjoy and, I think, is very reasonably priced is Flattop Grill (http://www.flattopgrill.com/). It's a make your own stir-fry place...all you can eat for maybe $12-15 (can't remember exactly how expensive). I just looked at their website and it looks like kids eat free on Monday nights. It's fun and loud and we always are STUFFED when we leave.

ETA: I was just looking at the Flattop website again and kids 4 and under are always free...

 

[Jon99]

Just remember, the best deals for a downtown hotel will be found on the weekends..

 

[dolphindan1]

They also have a six flags....whats is it six flags great america....been so long....If you like baseball try to catch a cubs game at wrigley field....I will ask my sister she is home for the weekend and she lives in the suburb Palantine....see if she can reccomend a place or 2

 

[nucpharm29]

Six flags Great America is in Gurnee, IL which is practically the wisconsin border--but not a long drive if the traffic isn't bad. There is also a huge outlet mall there also, Gurnee Mills.

I also second staying close to Navy Pier. We used Hotwire for our hotel and got a great room at the Sheraton for really cheap. It was a great hotel and the views from the rooms were great. But the parking was expensive. If you're going in the summer try to catch a baseball game if you're interested. We try to hit Wrigley field in the summer--there are lots of bars/restaurants around the ball field and we just made a day of it. But my fav. past time in chicago is definitel the shopping--can't wait to get back!